Alaska - The Most Beautiful Hike

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Have we explained enough that the cruise really was the cheapest way for us to see Alaska? If not, I’ll run through the justifications again: we were already on the West coast, so we didn’t have to pay airfare to get there; we couldn’t risk destroying the van driving it all the way to Alaska because we still need to use it to see the other 46 states; the ferry cost more than the cruise; and lastly, we were able to get a good deal for an inside cabin. What else were we to do but take a cruise??

Obviously Alaska was not our typical state experience. We relaxed more, drove less, and ate much more than we usually do…imagine that on a cruise! Having said that, here are some highs and lows from Alaska:

Worst Meal: Is there a worst meal on a cruise??

Favorite Meal: Our first dinner in the fancy restaurant. It was such a change of pace for us from the usual sandwich shops, and the kids were so well-behaved and really into trying new foods. They never once asked for a kid’s menu! In fact, they ordered the different courses with such sophistication and ease that I wondered if they were really our kids. When the strange foods came, they tried them without so much as an “ewwww!”

Biggest Disappointment: Not seeing much wildlife or icebergs. I know, I know, it’s our fault. We shouldn’t have taken a cruise but rather gone to the mainland to really see them. I really thought we’d see more from the ship, though. As with anything, it’s always in the expectations. We thought we’d be cruising through icy glacier walls with whales swimming by us the entire time. Instead, we were praying to see a whale, and we each finally did, but mostly they were just spouts. As for the icebergs, other than the one big Kahuna, they were so little, we had to laugh. I guess that’s good, though, because it’s hard not to think of the Titanic when sailing through the icebergs, no matter how small they are! I would highly recommend a balcony for an Alaskan cruise with all the time spent cruising through the passages and so much scenery.

Biggest Surprise: How a street, labeled on a map, was really just a boardwalk. It seems that I’m always leading the family on wild goose chases, or in this case a wild eagle chase. The map said there was an eagle wildlife viewing area at a particular intersection in downtown Ketchikan. What the map did not say was that one of the “streets” was just wooden stairs! I’m still taking grief from the family for taking them waaayyyyy past the viewing area.

Worse Memory: Feeling seasick…enough said!

Best Memory: Mike and I had some good quality alone time while the kids were off in Kids Club…enough said! One of our favorite things was sitting together in a cubby - on whale watch, talking about the trip and life together. Not much work got done.

My AK Hike: Hiking to Yakutania Point at Skagway. The hike to the point was fun, walking on pine needles and over rocks, but the point was breathtaking. At the rocks where the trail ended, we forged our own trail to get near the water’s edge. We were rewarded with the sight of the snow-capped mountains in the distance combined with the sound of the water lapping on the rocks. Lapping water, babbling brooks, crashing waves…I love the sound water makes!

We’re back on dry land again. Alaska, we’re sorry we couldn’t see more of you to really experience your beauty!

- Mom